Society for Science

I was honored to attend the Middle School Research Teachers Conference in D.C. I really protect my summer time, so taking a weekend to attend this event was a big deal for me. I couldn't have been more satisfied with a summer professional development that brought together Middle School teachers from all over the United States to talk about Science. It's really difficult to find professional development that is free, suited specifically to Middle School AND based in science. I absolutely cannot wait to return to school this fall as a "research teacher'. My students will be doing their first science fair ever and we are going to also compete in our regional (ISEF affiliated) science and engineering fair!

Getting to attend the Middle School Research Teachers Conference was an amazing and life changing experience! Getting to learn for Society for Science, along with learning from the other 75 teachers that attended has made me a better teacher. This will help me inspire the next generation and help build students dreams.

Society for Science has connected me with amazing teachers from across the country with similar ambitions as myself; to teach and inspire the next generation of scientists! They have also introduced and provided access to affordable resources to introduce into the classroom to increase student exposure to the latest technology and STEM careers. I hope to attend more of their conferences and connect with even more phenomenal teachers in the future.

This was my first Society for Science conference and I enjoyed meeting all the teachers from all over the US and learning about new opportunities and resources. Many of the resources I learned at the conference are now used in my classroom. As a presenter volunteer, I loved being able to share my experience and knowledge with other teachers about environmental research projects. I would go back next year for another conference.

Attending the Society for Science conference was a game-changer for me as a 6th & 7th grade STEM teacher. The sessions were engaging and packed with practical teaching strategies. I gained valuable resources and great networking opportunities with fellow educators. I left full of new ideas to inspire my students and enhance our classroom experience. Highly recommended for any STEM educator!

STEM education is not possible without the educators collaboration. I am teaching from 20 years . I was ways asking my colleagues for STEM resources, grant opportunities, STEM competitions. This Summer I got an invitation for three days of PD in Washington. This was the most valuable experience in my entire teaching journey. Society for Science not only helped me gaining so much from teachera across the country but it also provided a direction to make my students innovative in STEM.

For three years, I have been a part of Society for Science’s Core Volunteer Team. It has been a highlight of volunteer options that I totally look forward to. My role is to work along side of staff members and other volunteers in the Registration Department. Society for Science has a way of making everyone feel comfortable for the week of ISEF. We are given the training that we need to not only register thousands of people but to also answer questions and solve problems when on the move. I am more than thrilled to be a part of the Volunteer Group with Society for Science; International Science and Engineering Fair. I look forward to many more years volunteering with this AMAZING non-profit.

I have been involved with Society For Science for 35 years. Through their training and networking efforts they help teachers receive the support they need to implement high quality STEM education in their classrooms.. They are the reason I am still teaching. We are a rural community and it is difficult to get students to do real hands on science research but with the support of SSP it becomes a possibility. Being able to give my kids so many opportunities to excel in science thanks to them is incredible. many of my students have graduated and go on to science fields due to the experiences they received from competing in ISEF, applying for Broadcom Masters and Science talent Search. The competitions also gave these young people a community of like minded peers to make life long friends with.
I have been lucky to be able to take part in the HS research teachers conference and meet people from all of the country to get ideas to increase student involvement in science research. I have also been part of the Advisory Council for ISEF and getting to work one on one with SSP to always better enhance the experience for students world wide.

As a secondary STEM educator teaching research at a public school magnet program, I have not attended a better professional development conference in my 7 years in education and for that matter one of the best professional development experience in my nearly 20 year in and outside of education. The sponsor money they receive is put to incredible use by hosting teachers in person who are very much in need of a learning community and professional network to promote students doing real STEM research at the high school level! Receiving directly applicable, usable information and teaching resources from fellow teachers is a game changer for me! Thank you Society for Science, I am eternally grateful!

These folks are doing amazing work in the realm of STEAM education. From supporting STEAM teachers and their students by providing exceptional professional development and sponsoring student competitions to being a huge advocate for Science (STEAM) education in our U.S. and international education system. The Society for Science is doing good work for the average citizen. Please support these folks whenever you can.

The Young Scientist in Ireland as European longest established Science Fairs have been taking part at ISEF for many decades. It gives Irish competitors and opportunity to present their excellent work to highly experienced judges. One of the best things about ISEF is that the students get to meet other young STEM enthusiasts from across the globe.

I help to run a community science lab, where people can come and use our lab equipment to pursue their own projects. We also organize community education programs and Society for Science provided financial support so that we can develop new curriculum and expand access by offering fee discounts and waivers.

Society for Science - STEM Action Grants are truly supportive of expanding opportunities through funding, networks and individual mentorship. The projects I work on focus on Native American Communities and STEM Action Grant funding has been a multiplier for serving remote and rural communities who would otherwise not have an opportunity to engage with, in this case, with rocketry, robotics and other technologies that inspire future STEM workers.

With gratitude for Society for Science and their professional staff and experts who are accessible, positive and encourage participation in earnest.

The Society for Science is an amazing resource for teachers and students! Some of the things that the Society provides
1. Top-notch research competitions for students including The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). The Society for Science has a website that helps students and teachers prepare for these competitions.
2. Amazing journals that provide youth and adults with current science news. In addition, the Society provides curriculum for teachers to use these resources in their classrooms.
3. Support for educators. The Society supports and celebrates teachers with such programs as the Middle School Research Teachers Conference, the High School Research Teachers Conference and the Advocate Program.
Finally, the Society for Science encourages and celebrates diversity in science. They want all students to have access to top-notch science materials and support.

I am a better science teacher because of the support I have received from the Society for Science.

As a science teacher in a high poverty school, I have a difficult job made so much easier due to training and support from the Society for Science. This organization provides us with high interest, relevant and current news issues for students. With this, coupled with the best teacher training that I have ever received, offered by the Society for Science Advocates grant program, I have been able to guide students through research and into competition. Students have made advances to upper level competition that they never could have achieved without the priceless training afforded to me to take these young scientists there. On behalf of the next generation of scientists, Thank You Society for Science!
P.Jolliff

This non-profit is incredible!!! I'm a high school student who benefitted immensely from participating in the 2022 International Science and Engineering Fair, which Society for Science makes possible every year. Society for Science introduced me to thousands of peers who were as passionate about science as me, and I'm so thankful to this nonprofit for opening my eyes to the vast world of science and how science impact society at large.

I am a science teacher in an urban district in Pennsylvania. With the help of Society for Science, we have been able to improve our science literacy and engage more of our underserved students to engage in real world Science. Our participation in science fair competitions has almost tripled along with the participation of underserved students taking advantage of summer STEM programs in our area. SOS has excellent resources for teachers, students, and the community. Exposing more people to accurate and engaging science topics will help our world! Thanks, SOS!!

As a high school student in Louisiana, the Society for Science’s science competition gave me the confidence to purse a science degree in college - and to go on to receive a Ph.D. in my field. Now I am thrilled to support the Society’s work as a member of the National Leadership Council. This work is so important for enabling our next generation of scientists!

Great organization, helped me build my confidence in science!

Society for Science is full of opportunity and very devoted to it's student members.

I was chosen to attend the Society for Science Middle School Research Teachers' Conference and I could not have had a better experience! The registration process was seamless, down to travel details and all, but the opportunities provided by the Society for Science once there were what really make this nonprofit shine! They created a space and time for teachers to set aside the everyday worries of the profession and just collaborate in the most natural ways, pushing all attendees to reach the next level and offering many levels of support in doing so! It was such an incredible experience and will impact my teaching this coming year in huge ways!

I recently was chosen to attend the Society for Science's Middle School Research Teachers Conference in Washington, DC and it was one of the best conferences that I've been to recently. Not only did they make the process of attending seamless (applying, travel and living arrangements, etc), more importantly, the sessions and opportunities to collaborate with teachers in my geographic and curriculum areas were great. The sessions were relevant and I really appreciated that everything was geared towards the middle school level. I hope I get the opportunity to attend again in the future!

I recently attended a conference hosted by the society of science. It was absolutely amazing and inspiring for me and I am truly grateful I was able to attend. The staff at Society of Science really went above and beyond to demonstrate their appreciation for what teachers do. I have never felt so allude and supported in my 27 yrs or teaching. I left the conference with resources, ideas, and most importantly inspiration for teaching research in my science classroom.

The Society for Science is an incredible nonprofit working to empower educators and to successfully support students with scientific research. Through a number of initiatives, the Society for Science promotes equity and inclusion by extending resources to students in underrepresented groups. Additionally, the Society for Science provides grants to students/educators. This past year, I received STEM Research kits that allowed my students to learn about new technology (including trail cameras, water testing kits, PocketLab Sensors, and Arduino coding kits). Without this equipment, my students would not have been able to experience these meaningful hands-on learning opportunities.
Recently, I attended the Middle School Research Teachers Conference. The conference highlighted helpful strategies to effectively engage students in STEM. Throughout the conference, it was evident that every member of the administrative team was compassionate, professional, and attentive. The work that the Society for Science does is remarkable!

I have been interacting and participating with the Society for Science for two years now. I plan to continue for many years to come. The staff are always accommodating and willing to go above and beyond to be helpful. The Society has also donated STEM kits for my students in my classes. They are definitely an organization to support and get involved with.

I presented and attended their conference which was one of the best experiences of my life. I have been to many meetings but never one so organized and informative. They focused on our needs and collaboration. I truly enjoyed the presentations, the camaraderie, and the transparency on how much funding we have access to as teachers who want our students to learn, love, and thrive in science. I honestly had a great time with some of the most passionate teachers I have ever met.

These people are very rude and not pleasant to work with. I inquired about donating and potentially partnering with Society for Science and was greeted by rude staff and people who seem very displeased to be working there. I would recommend taking your money elsewhere.

I was a member of the Society for Science's student events—the Science Talent Search, in particular. It was, by far and away, one of the best events I have ever participated in; they have a way of inspiring science and creating an incredible atmosphere for students to thrive.

Society for Science has given me all the tools and support to encourage underrepresented youth in STEM to design, plan and carry out science and engineering projects. This nonprofit focuses on how to engage and support students through their teachers with experiencing being the scientists and engineers. Before participating in this work, I led Science Fair at my site, but was not able to provide students with equipment, had no idea about national competitions that are available to students, and lacked tools to connect with families on STEM projects. I feel much more capable to do all of this after just a year and a half working with the Society. I am forever thankful for all that I have learned.

I loved my experience with Society for Science even at an online level. I was able to learn new things as well as share my knowledge with people in many parts of the US. I have gained a plethora of information that I can take back to share with my middle school colleagues and students. I feel that the support , understanding and passion that this group of people have is and can continue to truly make a difference in the world of science in our schools and communities. I am excited for the next meet and plan to get pictures next time. Thank you Society for Science for allowing me to be a part of your great workshops.

The Society for Science has had an amazing impact on our school. The support of the Society for Science has ensured that our school culture continues to develop passionate and motivated students for science and research fields. I have organized the science fair for years and I know the challenges that come with it, much more when we have suffered from hurricanes, earthquakes and now with the pandemic. Every year the search for resources to help students is more difficult, but with the resources provided by the society (materials, support, training, conferences and workshops, among other things) our students were able to perform successfully. Thanks to the Society for Science Advocate Program we have materials in our school laboratory, students from 7th to 12th grade were able to participate in regional and internationals fairs (achieving different awards), in university research symposia, workshops, camps and internships. We are more than grateful for ALL the support received from Society for Science!

The Society for Science is a supportive and creative learning community. The Science Advocate meetings and Middle School Science Research conference has provided me with teaching techniques and strategies to bring my research class to the next level. The Society has also provided much needed resources for my student's science and engineering research project. This organization has significantly increased my student's opportunities for success and growth.

The Society for Science has had a HUGE impact on my school community and culture. I have been running science fair for almost 20 years, and I use the Society's resources to instill a passion and culture of inquiry in my whole school. Students attend my K-8 school coming to science fairs, hearing about students attending our fair, regional fairs, and when they go to high school, attending the ISEF. We are a science fair school because of the support I get from the society!

I was so excited to participate in this year's annual meeting both as a presenter and as a participant. The Presentations were excellent- informative and exciting- and the opportunity to network with middle school teachers across the country invigorating! The skills learned and the lessons shared were invaluable and the supplies I received for my classroom means that this professional development program has translated into actual hands on lessons for my students.

The Society for Science and the Public (SSP) is beyond exceptional in supporting students with STEM. The opportunities for STEM educators for growth are also very valuable. SSP is at the forefront of being a top tier organization that makes sure that the future generation of STEM professionals reach their highest potential. Thank you SSP!

The Society for Science & the Public’s Advocate Grant provides teachers with the
resources, tools, best practices and confidence to change the tides in the socioeconomic
and ethnic composition of the scientific community through inspiring underserved and
underrepresented students to conduct, communicate and compete in authentic scientific
research. This program unites the best educators in the field with science teachers across
the nation to share best practices in bringing science to those who have historically been
unreached and left out. In my 12+ years as an educator the Advocate Grant has been the
most powerful, effective and inspiring professional development program I have ever known.
Since my involvement in the Advocacy program I have mentored over 70 underserved and underrepresented students in science competitions. The Society for Science inspires action in meaningful ways by respecting educators as professionals and compensating their off-contract hours with stipends. I could not recommend their grant and advocate programs more to teachers wanting to take the students' science projects to the next level.

I am a Middle School Science Teacher and Society for Science has been very supportive of me and my students. For example, Society for Science has offered grant opportunities which helped me purchase science equipment to use in my classroom and for students to use in conducting independent research for their science projects. Society for Science directly encourages my students to excel in Science through the prestigious, national Broadcom Masters competition.

This non-profit has provided me with opportunities to help transform how I teach science. From a year long subscription to Science News, a STEM grant for equipment, and getting me on a mailing list to apply for a grant to get training about how to implement a science research program at my own school, Society for Science has been awesome! Teachers, the applications are not hard and the benefits are great. Take the time to get involved. Donors, your money has made a difference in my teaching and my student's learning opportunities. Thank-you.

This nonprofit organization has completely changed my attitude as a teacher. I learned so many skills over the summer through their virtual conference. The skills and contacts I made are priceless. I made connections that are resourceful in and out of the classroom. The amount of support and supplies I received from this company are mind blowing. I am thankful to be a part of this community.

As a teacher, Society for Science is the most supportive organization I have worked with. I have received meaningful training, materials, and so much support so that I can best support my students in my classroom.

Amazing support for students and teachers in STEM! I attended the Middle School Research Teachers Conference and learned so much that I could use for my classes and provide to the other teachers in my building. I was selected as a member of "The Crew" and the generosity in providing materials for the classroom was incredible. The organization offers grants for teachers and students.

Society for Science brought much-needed resources into my classroom through a grant. The generous donations funding this grant made it possible for students to experience science with hands-on activities. If not for this grant, those same students would have had science experiences either virtually or in their textbooks. Words alone cannot express gratitude for enabling and investing in our nation's future!

Because of the support from Society for Science and the Public, I was able to double the number of under-represented students entering research competitions this year. I was also able to try out a new competition, eCybermission, and intend to return to this competition next year. Thank you!

Society for Science and the Public (SSP) administers numerous excellent student programs but the one we have been involved with and is the most familiar to us is the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This program is awesome because it innovates, invigorates, challenges and supports students and teachers alike in their Inquiry quest for achieving Educational Excellence. We have been involved with ISEF since 1976 until present either sponsoring many students as finalist and/or observers and in the last twelve years we have served as volunteers. This program has fostered, challenged and most importantly rewarded the best and encouraged the rest of the ISEF participants. Upon transitioning from the teaching profession we have been involved with SSP in varying other volunteer capacities (judging, interpreting and Display and Safety). We most definitely and fullhearted see the immense impact this organization has had and is having on our youth. Our own three personal children were finalist for four years each and as a result impart of this program they have all become professional individuals in the Scientific and/or Engineering community. It is with this brief commentary that we most definitely support this programs.

I cannot express enough how much the Society for Science & the Public has positively influenced my life, and the life of countless others. As a high school student, I was a finalist at the SSP International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from 2009-2012. Attending ISEF and having the opportunity to network with other students passionate about science such as myself, as well as countless professionals in the field I aimed to join, was an invaluable experience and encouraged me to pursue my love of scientist beyond high school. I am now a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry, the very field my science fair projects fell into, and return to ISEF each year as a volunteer. The staff and other volunteers I have met are incredible, working their hardest to ensure a great experience for all involved (students, teachers, parents, and other volunteers alike). Thank you to all who work to promote STEM education and science communication, I hope to continue to be a part of this wonderful society for years to come.

I was a Thai interpreter at the Intel ISEF for several times and every time gave me good impression of the organizers to prepare and arrange the registration process. Every year the registration was improved and no line to go on-site. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Experience during the fair was great!

I am a parent of a high school student who participated in 2019 and 2020 International Science and Engineering Fair. Society staff as outstanding in their ability to plan, organize, and deliver an amazing event. My son is inspired to continue in sciences and remains in contact with several fellow high school science enthusiasts. Thank you Society staff!

I have volunteered for science for society and the public for multiple ISEFs. The people are all very kind and professional and the event they put on is amazing. To coordinate something of this magnitude every year as flawlessly as they do is no small feat. In addition to the competition, they also provide a unique STEM experience for local schools (my favorite day)! I will continue to be involved with them as long as I can!

Society for Science and the Public works to promote reseach and and accuracy in the sciences. They encourage the development of our future scientist through their unfailing support of students from around the world.

It is clear that there is considerable opportunity for students who pursue STEM, but will there be enough interested students to pursue these options? The Society for Science & the Public sparks new interest in STEM careers and the range of STEM career paths available and how those jobs in science match up to interests students already have.

Society for Science has helped our program to grow and expand through my participation in the Advocate program, Attendance at the Research Teachers Conference, and Winner of one of their Action Grants. Our district is 97% Hispanic students from low-income backgrounds only 5% of Hispanics ever enter STEM fields. It is through my relationship that I have had the opportunity to grow our research program, learn new and exciting tools that me to be a more successful research teacher and develop relationships with science teachers from all over the country. As a result, my students are more engaged and finding success in research competitions that previously had been elusive for Hispanic students. Having the opportunity to send a student from our community to ISEF for two years in a row let the kids in our community know that their science dreams are possible. Thank you, Maya, Caitlin, Emily and the whole crew at Society

This program is amazing. They have personally given me the resources and connections to create one of the most robust science research programs in the city - serving students that would otherwise have been largely overlooked.

SSP treats teachers like professionals, and everything they do is of the highest value.

I can’t say enough good things about the Society for Science & the Public. Thanks to their generous support, multiple small towns in Oklahoma now have thriving STEM competition programs. They have truly changed the lives of countless students who otherwise wouldn’t have had these opportunities.

I have been a participant in both the Advocate program and the Middle School Science Conference run by the Society for Science & the Public. They are a fantastic organization that provides excellent training and support for teachers, and great science content through their magazine and website.

Society for Science & the Public has enabled a great number of students to participate in scientific research competitions. We are very grateful for their continuing support and all the work they contribute nationally.

I am a teacher in a rural area in Colorado. Society for Science & the Public (SSP) has been absolutely instrumental in supporting my development as a science teacher as well as the development of my students as researchers. I have been incredibly fortunate to have received an equipment grant, an all-expense paid teacher training in Washington DC, as well as recently being awarded the Advocate grant for student and teacher outreach. SSP is making a REAL DIFFERENCE in science education in schools across the country, and I can't think of a better investment of funds by an individual or organization. CHOOSE TO SUPPORT SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC!!! The future of our budding science students, and equitable science education across the US, depends on it.

The SSP has helped me to foster a love of exploration within my students. Students who did not originally consider science careers have had opportunities that they would have not otherwise considered. I am thankful for the SSP and their programs, especially the Advocates Grant Program.

The Society for Science is amazing! It supports science teachers and student researchers more then just about any other organization. I became involved with the Society through my regional and state science fairs and then through the Advocate Grant Program. This program has helped me to expand my science fair program dramatically. I have been able to more then double the number of students doing research in my district and we are still growing. The program brought a group of teachers from around the country together to collaborate on how to improve and grow their research programs at the middle and high school levels. The collaborative relationships I have built through the Advocate Grant Program have been some of the most impactful relationships of my teaching career. I have learned a great deal through the program. I want to thank the Society for Science for all they do to help teachers and students and science research!

As a teacher for over a decade I have had countless experiences working with non-profits and organizations providing professional development opportunities for educators. Working with SSP has been by far the most rewarding, fulfilling and well supported professional development experiences I have ever had. Their professionalism, communication, mission and methodology are the best I have ever known from an organization that works with teachers.

Funding from a grant enabled me to purchase biotech equipment which allows my students to conduct high level experiments to compete at the regional, state, and international science fairs. I am able to introduce biotech, and many students pursue careers in this field and received paid positions in university labs based on the skills learned in my course, which would not be possible without the expensive equipment.

As a high school gifted support teacher, this non-profit keeps me in-the-know on all topics science related, and does so with so many varied resources! My students and I can utilize science news magazines and associated database to research any topic that they are interested in, and it pushes our knowledge further along. Additionally, they run the most prestigious and professional science competitions in the world, and turn so many students into scientists. They are a juggernaut in the world of science education, and I am so happy that we have them to rely on.

The Society for Science & the Public made my summer research program a possibility! I brought a group of 14 high school students to the University of Minnesota for two weeks during the summer to work on research projects and tour labs and facilities on campus. It was amazing! Students were hands-on and working on meaningful research. Our group of low-income, minority students could not have done it without SSP funding!

This nonprofit helped bring teachers together from across the country to share experiences, ideas, and grow as educators. I have nothing but good things to say about them.

Society for Science & the Public has provided services that empowers me to bridge equity gaps in science education.

Society for Science & the Public helps science educators and students tremendously! As a public school teacher for the past 12 years, I have not encountered an organization that has given as much opportunity to my students as they have.

Many organizations talk about empowering teachers and students, but this organization does it better than any other I have yet encountered. They spend time and resources allowing students and teachers to gather, share ideas, and learn from each other through professional development conferences and competitions geared toward helping students participate in scientific research in secondary school. I attended one of the conferences as a teacher as was impressed at how many of the sessions were run by my fellow teachers who had really fantastic ideas and had experienced a lot of success in their programs. They trust that teachers have innate desires to help students succeed and give them the tools necessary to reach their potential.

The Society for Science and the Public has been in my life for a long time now, I just didn't realize it. They let their sponsors and donors have the spotlight (a well-deserved spotlight), as the quietly do their work in the background to develop and share dynamic resources and dramatic competitions that forever change lives. I have long appreciated the lasting impact that they have on my students and myself. It wasn't until this weekend, attending their Research Teachers Conference in DC, that I have put all of the pieces together and realize that SSP is the fabric that weaves our science life together in so many ways. They stimulate our curiosity and interest with Science News. The International Science and Engineering Fair provides the incentive and organization to make good science happen and be shared, and the Research Teachers Conference keeps teachers connected and informed. Thank you to the Society (and their generous donors) for giving us so much!

I have worked with SSP through their programs for the last two decades. Their commitment to education of both students and teachers/mentors is tremendous. The staff at SSP are talented, dedicated, and responsive. This is a terrific organization focused on fulfilling an important mission.

Wow! Society for Science & the Public is doing great work in promoting local and global science education and literacy to students, teachers, and the public. I am a teacher that attended their annual research teachers conference and was blown away by their dedication to providing opportunities to students and teachers to excel in the science field.

Amazing support for students in STEM! I just attended their annual Research Teachers Conference and learned so much that I could use for my classes.

The SSP is exceptional at supporting science educators and making them feel like the professionals they are. They are concerned with equity and diversity and are always striving to improve what they do. I have been involved with a number of their programs supporting science education and they are always well managed, organized and valuable in terms of content and outcomes.

Society for Science & the Public promotes science education through many programs that benefit students, teachers and the public in general. With the assistance of outstanding sponsors, science research is recognized with international science fair activities and talent search opportunities with first-class organization. As a high school student from a rural county in North Florida, I was an international science fair winner forty years ago. The experience was life-changing and my passion for science ignited. I wanted other students in my little rural county high school to have the same opportunity I had, so I returned there to teach science courses with a research component. I have been bringing students to the ISEF for decades and enjoy watching the continued success of the participants after they return home motivated to pursue higher education and careers with confidence.

SSP advocates science education and literacy through supporting students, teachers, and the public. They make the latest research obtainable to every person through their Science News magazine and organize major scientific fairs for high school and middle school students. It is these competitions that help fuel the excitement in STEM fields for kids and encourage them to dream big so that they can be the scientists of our future.

Society for Science and the Public have been very supportive of my students. We were given a grant for our science research class which helped acquire equipment and academic material. Also, it has provided a subscription to Science News in High school for the last two years. With these resources we have been able to keep up to date and complete our research projects on time.

My name is Marcia Butler. I attended the Research Teachers Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC hosted by the Society for Science and the Public and generously sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals during the weekend of October 13, 2017 to October 15, 2017. I am a veteran science teacher of 22+ years and I must say that after having attended countless conferences over the years, the Research Teachers Conference was by far, the most impactful professional development opportunity I have been afforded. For the first time in a long time, I felt a genuine sense of appreciation for the humble practioners of the art of teaching science. I've devoted more than half of my adult life to developing the hearts and minds of the students that I have taught and currently teach, never asking for anything in return except that they try to work with me as best they can, to keep their feet firmly planted on the path of academic excellence. The Research Teachers Conference recharged my passion as a professional and I feel more committed to providing my students with a world-class education than ever before. The presenters who conducted the breakout sessions were knowledgeable as well as relatable and shared their experiences with unselfish enthusiasm which I greatly appreciated. Our hosts, the Society for Science and the Public were the consummate event planners. They left no stone unturned making sure that our experience was flawless. From the travel arrangements to the venue itself; the wonderful accommodations, keynote speakers and opportunities to network. I left the conference feeling revitalized, appreciated and equipped with new ideas to improve upon the way that I engage my students on a daily basis. There are times when a mere thank you seems inadequate and this is one of those occassions. Nevertheless, a heartfelt thank you is being extended to the dozens of people who made this conference possible.

Society for Science and the Public (SSP) is an organization that has brought out the best of my students, as well as of me, in terms of education in scientific research. Through its Intel ISEF programs, my students have been motivated to explore the world of science, and dared to be scientists at their young ages (I teach high school's science at P.R.). On the other hand, SSP offered me the opportunity to participate in the Research Teachers Conference program, a professional development program in which I learned from the experiences of fellow teachers from various US states. This made me understand that the educational problems that happened with my students are the same throughout the Nation. In addition, I learned new techniques to educate my students about investigative processes. I thank SSP for what they do for the teachers and society. This entity is needed for scientific research to continue to flourish among the younger generations, and thus develop the scientists of the future.

Absolutely the best organization to promote science to students, teachers, underserved communities and the general public. Their effort is very efficient and yields great results. We can see the work they do impact many schools around the country.

The support of the Society for Science has made it possible for me to lead students to life changing experiences which they would not have had access to otherwise. The society provided the support I needed to make the jump into the research competition realm with my students. Without the financial support and the expertise shared, I would not have entered any students in competition last year. Instead we had students that won local, regional and state awards. In addition, one student has taken the initiative to start a related project at their university (aquaponics) and two are considering more challenging majors. Both indicated that these actions are directly due to the confidence gained from completing a sustained research project and entering competition. The support of the Society for Science and the Public is supporting teachers in changing lives!

I have long known about the Society for Science and the Public concerning their involvement in science fairs. However it was only this past year that I learned the offer a program to assist and encourage under-represented student participation in science fairs. I volunteer at a school with a mission to help struggling students succeed. Often these students are very resilient but feel they can not accomplish similar career objectives as their peers. As part of the Advocate program sponsored by the Science and the Public, it is difficult to express in words the confidence and pride this program instilled into all the students at our school. The encouragement, mentoring and support has helped demonstrate to our students that not only can they accomplish more than they initially perceived but that their are people and organizations that desire to help them succeed beyond their own expectations. The Society for Science and the Public has provided me, the students I serve and our school in general with the training, resources and motivation to accomplish one of the great objectives of scientific investigation - to enter into the unknown with confidence.

The Society for Science and the Public has helped motivate my students to go beyond pursuing interests, but rather, to choose worthwhile goals and earn achievements in their interests.

What could raise the level of a teachers' motivation and excitement for teaching, than treating them to a great experience of sharing what they love, feeding them well, and leaving them with a feeling that the weekend was worth it! Starting with visits to offices all over Capitol Hill on Friday, SSP then rolled out the red carpet with presentation by both teachers and experts ( one-and-the-same?) all day Saturday and Sunday morning. SSP built a feeling of community...common cause...in a very short period of time. The 200 teachers who attended ( including one from Palmer, Alaska!) left with more than they came.

Society for the Science and the Public has dedicated years of time, resources, and money to schools and students across the country with the focus to promote intense, appropriate, and necessary science exploration at the middle school and high school levels. Science News, MASTERS Science and Engineering Fair, Regeneron (was INTEL) Science and Engineering Fair, are just three major contributions and opportunities for our students to participate in rigorous science research. Overall, Society for Science and the Public is providing resources for our kids to access science in a multitude of different ways. Helping a nonprofit such as this, helps students around the world.

As an SSP Advocate, I have had special training and support that has led to me being able to help dozens of economically disadvantaged students learn about research that can be entered into science fair competitions. Last year I had one student make it to the International Science and Engineering Fair and it changed his life for the better by helping him earn college scholarships. Other students are returning to continue pursuing the dream of solving a real world problem like field testing for Lyme Disease in ticks. SSP is helping me do more than I ever imagined possible! Without the help and support of SSP I would not be as actively involved in my community trying to ensure awareness of and access for all kids to science fair competitions.

SSP walks the walk! Beyond their terrific magazine that includes relevant work with data and graphs, they organized an amazing weekend of learning for science teachers around the country. Teachers were able to share, learn, and gain excitement about student research opportunities to bring home to their communities. Wow!

The Society truly cares about education and is willing to put their money behind it to give great conferences for educators free of charge.

Society for Science and the Public (SSP) has spent many years championing science literacy, and encouraging youth to pursue STEM possibilities and jobs. SSP has been there encouraging students, teachers, scientists and educators regardless of social or income status. The programs that SSP supports and continues to offer have helped students like myself and my future students to aspire to new heights in STEM research, and have made resources possible for low-income rural students like myself and the current generation to be able to explore, learn and expand in our STEM interests. By offering up grants and resources, SSP has made it possible for students of all ages, backgrounds, in the US and around the world to experience science education as it should be experienced. SSP is vital for the future of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics jobs to become an interest for the current and future generations, and to allow students and scientists to continue to encourage the future of STEM Research and exploration.

This is my first year teaching science research in high school and was very fortunate to have been invited by Society for Science and the public to its conference in Washington D.C. All the breakout sessions were filled with excellent information, skills and techniques shared by presenters. All these presenters actual science research teachers who have been working in this area for quite some time.
Thank you!!

Society for Science & the Public provides learning opportunities for students by making science fun, interesting, understandable at any level. Check out Science News, Science News for Students, and more! And they have been doing it for decades! But the Society is also providing opportunities for teachers as well! They have now sponsored 2 teacher gatherings around the topic of student research... at no cost to teachers! And a recent program specifically targets underrepresented students in research! My students have a wealth opportunities available to them that they would not otherwise have! Thank you, SSP!

They will do anything to support you,. I have met some amazing educators and made many professional connections, I will take their experience and knowledge to my classroom and clubs. It is the best professional development program that I have been involved.

Thank you SSP

The Society for Science & the Public provided the environment for an amazing weekend for an immersion into the use of Science News in classes, entry into new Science Fair competitions for my students as well as methods and techniques so as to encourage student growth as well as challenges for students to foster their growth. As an Advocate, I am encouraged to provide new and creative support for those students that are underserved while encouraging their participation, continued growth and retention in STEM studies, potential careers and further education. I was energized by the Science Teachers Research Conference and have returned to school breathing new life into my program.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Attending this conference has lit a fire inside of me to doggedly pursue every opportunity I can to provide Independent Research opportunities for students. As a matter of fact after attending the conference the following Friday I met with a professor at a local university in order to develop a independent research opportunity for middle school students and it is hoped that in the future more opportunities can be developed for high school students.

My weekend in DC with the Society for Science and the Public was a highlight in my teaching career of 26 years. As a presenter, I felt empowered to share my insights on ethical decision making in science. The conference was very well organized and designed for us (the science teachers) to collaborate and learn from one another. The impact on students from all levels, academically and economically, is immense! They included programming that can help reach the underrepresented students in our schools and that can make all the difference in our world!! GREAT JOB BRINGING SCIENCE TEACHERS TOGETHER!!!

Society for Science & the Public has done so much to not only help youth in our country, they are directly involved in aiding in the future of our scientific community. By providing students throughout our country to partake in authentic research is commendable and inspiring. As a teacher of a nationally recognized high school science research program, I am proud of the work I have done. Much of this is due to the outstanding work done by the Society for Science & the Public.

Kudos to the Society for its' efforts towards making the Research Educator weekend in Washington DC (Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016 ) a productive, collaborative and successful event. For me personally, it was a great opportunity to network and brainstorm with teachers from around the country and to learn of the mechanics of the different science fairs that challenge our students. We are also grateful to the Society for giving us the opportunity to bring additional resources to students; especially to underserved and underrepresented students and to inner city schools and Title One schools.

The conference allowed to me to meet research teachers from across the country, and exchanged our practices. There were so many excellent sessions offered. This is one the best meeting that I have ever been to.

Society for Science & the Public is an incredibly important and needed organization that dedicates its finances and energy into bringing science education to students, as well as to the public at large. I have been fortunate enough to attend several of their outreach and science-related events with my students, and I am constantly amazed at the level of dedication they have in their mission, and the deep, positive role they play in nurturing the interests and careers of our future scientists. We need organizations like this, more than ever, and they will use donated funds in the most efficient and powerful way possible...by growing our next generation of scientists! Please consider helping...

I just attended the most amazing conference for teachers in Washington D.C. I went not knowing much about how to get my students involved in research and I left with a plan of how I can successfully implement a research program at my school. The session choice was of such high caliber that I had a hard time deciding which ones to attend. By the third day I was not ready to leave but the information I brought back is user friendly and I feel I can be successful in starting a research program at my school. The logistics of the conference ran smoothly. I had a great experience before the conference with hotel and plane reservations as well as getting back home. The venue was beautiful and it was easy to navigate to the sessions, meals, rooms and outside events. The organizers were so upbeat and helpful and did not show any signs of stress. I felt like a valued professional which is not always the case in education. Over the past 24 years I have gone to many professional development conferences and many I regretted spending my time and energy attending. This conference has just set the standard for all conferences. It was the best run, offered instantaneously usable information and made me feel good about my profession. I am very excited to put a plan into action and see how my students take to it and excel.

SSP does amazing work. I teach in the inner-city. I had a student whose plan was to dropout, start a family, the end. After her involvement with SSP she is now in college majoring in Engineering and planning an amazing career. This opportunity would not exist if not for SSP

Year ago I met book of J. Ellenberg "How Not to Be Wrong. The Power of Mathematical Thinking" (New York Times Bestseller).

IMHO, Research Teachers Conference in DC had the same power of a bestseller "How Not to Be Wrong in Doing Research and Science Process with Students". I was really surprised, how many various powerful ways this conference had shown. Congratulations to organizers.

After comeback, I am immediately applying new knowledge from the conference, for example better concentration on gritty students, use of padlets in improving creativity, use of Science News samples which we obtained in teaching (e.g. based on the paper about oldest fossils, October 1, p. 7, we provide scans of fossils to study their geometry), better literature searches, more efficient research programs etc.

This experience was much more than I expected. I met and exchanged ideas with many wonderful teachers from around the country. I plan to continually collaborate with these teachers in order to keep improving my teaching strategies. I learned many things, received information and ways to contact possible resources that can improve my educational mission within the science research field with my students. I hope to be able to repeat this experience in the future. This type of activity is highly recommended and a necessity in order to to promote excellence within the science research field. The Society for Science & the Public is doing a great job in helping teachers reach their goals!!!

I was selected as the Broadcom MASTERS International Delegate for the United Kingdom in 2015 and SSP and the Broadcom Foundation gave me one of the most memorable experiences of my life. They looked after us extremely well all week, planned very interesting and fun activities and gave us an amazing opportunity to meet other like minded students from around the world and learn from each other. They planned visits such as Disney Animation Studios, Carneigie Mellon University and more. It was a week that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

I was selected as one of the Broadcom MASTERS 2015 and it was an amazing experience. The SSP paid for us to come to California and encouraged us to learn about the different fields of science with different activities and events. We got to tour the Tesla Factory, NASA Ames Facility, and Lucasfilm. The SSP made the Science Fair feel more like a fun break from school as well as making it educational for us participants. The SSP is an amazing organization and it makes students want to study science while having fun.

It was an amazing experience to have been selected as a Finalist in 2015. I got to network with 29 of the greatest minds in America aged 12-14, and learn so many new things about science! Silicon Valley is a place of much inspiration to a science lover like me, and getting to go to Tesla, NASA Ames, and Google HQ was only a great bonus.

My son was a Broadcom MASTERS finalist in 2013. It is an incredible program and provided so many amazing experiences. My son has such fond memories of his week in Washingon DC and will never forget the people he met there. This experience has opened so many doors for him. It was truly an opportunity of a lifetime. Many thanks to Broadcom and the Society for Science & the Public!

Being selected as a Broadcom MASTERS finalist was truly an amazing experience. We were treated exceptionally well, learned a bunch of science, and met each other and lots of other cool people (Barack Obama anyone?).

My daughter was selected as a Broadcom Master and loved the experience! It allowed her to connect with other kids who love to work in science and math, while meeting heads of companies who helped them learn more. SSP really does a great job in leading our future in Science.

Superb source for stem subjects and major contributor to science literacy.

As an educator and parent of an INTEL ISEF Alumnus I can't begin to say enough about the opportunities that Society for Science & the Public provide for students. The interaction that goes on between young people from all over the world combined with the support they receive from some of the best scientists and business people from across the globe is unparalleled. To let kids know that it is okay to be smart and excel is so important in today's world! Perhaps by encouraging students from all over our world to get to know one another (as SSP does) we will begin to alleviate some of the hatred and misunderstanding that is perpetuated by ignorance.

I was a participant in ISEF, a science competition that SSP runs, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The community of like-minded high schoolers from around the world makes one appreciate the incredible accomplishments of one's peers. Also, at ISEF, I had the chance to enjoy experiences such as hearing Nobel prizewinners speak, and I will remember those experiences for a long time. SSP's impact extends beyond ISEF, as the affiliate fairs of SSP motivate many high schoolers to participate in science. I think that SSP is an amazing nonprofit because of all that it provides to high school students interested in science.

SSP is amazing and greatly encourages our next generation of leaders and provides opportunities for students that never would have had a chance. I've worked with many of the staff over 5 years and see the dedication and teamwork with everyone. I've been involved in judging, volunteering, inspecting, and organizing and can't believe how well it all works.

I have numerous connections with SSP, although my primary connection is thru ISEF. I am a member of the Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) for the Pittsburgh ISEF, Chair of Judging for Pittsburgh, a member of the Judge committee for the Pittsburgh Regional Fair ( a feeder fair to ISEF, and a member of the Judge Advisory Committee for ISEF.

I have a wide ranging relationship with people at SSP, from the Dr. Ajmira on down to administrative staff. This is primarily around ISEF. The relationship between SSP and the Pittsburgh LAC is one of 'family'. There is truly great personal affection for one another, but also great respect professionally. This is a team effort in which egos are put aside, and everyone works toward the same goal oif making this a tremendous experience for the student competitors and the visitors. While some reviews may pose some problems, WE REACH THAT "TREMENDOUS EXPERIENCE" GOAL.

The working relationship is key. Companies spend millions to get people to work together toward the same goal. We do it because the SSP people are dedicated to making it work, and the volunteers are similarly dedicated. We all seem to check the egos at the door.

SSP has a mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. Their science competitions reach hundreds of thousands of students around the world. While their competitions reach thousands of the best and brightest, there are hundreds of thousands competing in feeder fairs in schools, cities, regions, states, and countries. They all have the inspiration that they can do well, and reach the pinnacle of this world-wide competition. Many are inspired to continue study. SSP is inspiring our future tech workforce throughout the world. They are having a huge impact.

They do this thru their publications.

In a long career, my work with SSP is among the most satisfying things that i have done.

I have worked closely with SSP for over 15 years related to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Great group of people dedicated to providing the highest standards and concerns for promoting worldwide development of curricula and focus of science for students. All my efforts are volunteered and it is *SO* worth it!

For the past two and half years, this organization helped my science program with funds to help buy field equipment for students' research projects. These projects then won ribbons and awards at the regional science fair and national competitions, but watching the students become actively involved with data collecting and determining the solutions to environmental problems was the real success. The Society for Science & the Public raised our science comprehension and understanding to the highest level for all of my students.

The Science News for Students web-site is my go-to resource for disciplinary literacy. Thanks to donor support they are able to provide a free resource for students and educators. The writing is engaging, and I find the articles especially helpful for teaching students to see cause and effect relationships, identify literary devices in informational text, and to compare and contrast findings. The website allows teachers and students to search by topic and the cool science jobs section is a great way to help students see the connections between the classroom and their future.

Wonderful experience every time. Well organized and timingly informed

I am a senior fellow for Society for Science and the Public from Shuqualak, Mississippi. Shuqualak is a small rural economically drained town. Being a senior fellow means I am in the 4th year of my fellowship grant. I have 75 students who have benefitted from this amazing outreach program. One of my students is a first generation high school student headed to college. First in her family! Thanks to the SSP Grant, I have 20 students from single parent households who are doing meaningful research. Two of whom have graduated from The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. All of the juniors and seniors in this program, have done service learning projects. Meaning they have worked with younger researchers to develop their ideas. None of these students would have received the recognition and achievement without Society for Science and the Public's Outreach efforts. The funding that they have provided has produced exponentially.

I was a volunteer at ISEF for four years and hope to return!
The organization goes above and beyond to make sure that the kids have a great time and enjoy the returns of all their hard work. If you could see behind the scenes how hard these people work to make sure that everyone has a good time, you'd be surprised. A lot of the volunteer work is handing out supplies to kids, stuffing bags, or playing security, but it's all about the people. Many of the volunteers return year after year- some have been there for twenty years! It's kind of like a second family that you only get to see for a week in May.

I have worked as a volunteer with ISEF for the past four years and it has been an extremely rewarding experience. Meeting and talking with outstanding students from around the world who have submitted their research for evaluation has been very rewarding. I salute the people who organize and run ISEF for their dedication to science and to young people.

I was a volunteer at the ISEF in Pittsburgh. For the participants it was a great experience, they were all thrilled to have the opportunity to show off their capabilities and compete with others at the same level. As a volunteer I found it disorganized, too many volunteers standing around with nothing to do and no one seeming to know where help was needed. Many left out of frustration.

I have been privileged to be a member of Team Canada-ISEF for the past two years. Participating in ISEF has been one of the most transformative and influential experiences of my life. I can think of no other event or organisation that has had such a profound impact on that number of people and inspired them to enter a career in the STEM fields. Additionally, there is no other event which has the capability to connect such a diverse group of like minded individuals at the high school level.

My son was a Finalist at I.S.E.F. all four yrs. of High School. He loved it! It was the greatest experience for him, competing and making friends from all over the world. Competing in science fairs helped him pay for college and to be an eloquent speaker and writer in college. He is now an Engineer in part due to his involvement w/ S.S.P.
I went and volunteered every year that he competed and now as a Board Member w/ his local fair I am still volunteering. This will be my 8th trip to I.S.E.F. to help out a great organization and I am all ready planning for 2016!

Science News is the best all-around science magazine. I have also subscribed to Scientific American and Discover. I see the abstract in Science News and read the more detailed account in SA. Science News by its nature can encompass more articles about more fields of science. So it gives the reader a broader knowledge of what is happening in science, medicine, etc. I love it and have read it for more years than I can remember. Keep on doing what you're doing.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is the premiere competition for high school students in the world. I have worked as a judge after a career of advising students, some of whom advanced to compete against the best in the world at ISEF. The competition helped these students stay on career paths in science and technology. Keep up the good work.

Our daughter was selected as a finalist to participate in Broadcom. MASTERS the first year it launched. What an incredible experience for a 13 year-old from a small, isolate, rural area to work with other like- minded kids. She is still in touch with many of these kids from across the country that she met. Currently she is President of the after school Science Club and mentors other elementary and middle school budding scientists. She has continued to compete in science competitions in high school while juggling the most rigorous academic load offered, participating in varsity sports, working, and participating in an assortment of other extra-curricular activities. As I write this review on the sunniest, summer day in July, she is working on the drafts for the INTEL Talent Search. You inspired a young impressible teenager that anything is possible. Thank you!

I have been reading Science News for close to 40 years since I discovered it by accident in the periodicals section of my local library. Its succinct format and quality of information provides a service I've found no where else. It has helped me be a more informed citizen.

Science News provides current scientific information to share with my students. Young, pre-teen students are so eager to learn more about their world, and Science News offers everything I need to springboard into a unit of study. Science News makes science relevant and real, not just a sci-fi/imaginatin world. It helps me to convince my students that Science is LIFE.

Although I cannot afford a weekly subscription to SCIENCE NEWS print publication, I do receive the weekly email as well as general news from the Society for Science & the Public in order to keep up with important news and developments in the scientific world. If I COULD afford a weekly subscription to SCIENCE NEWS, I would DEFINITELY subscribe. Thanks, SSP!

My daughter was one of the finalist of 2014 ISEF. One of the teachers suggested that I should volunteer as interpreter because I speak Spanish. What a great experience! I got to help a girl from Colombia who was presenting her ideas for a Cube Sat. Since I am a computer engineer I enjoyed the whole time. I helped a second day receiving children visiting the fair from public schools around LA and it was a very good experience too. Everything was very organized and they treated volunteers nicely: free conmemorative tshirts, delicious breakfast and lunch and they always made you feel really appreciated. Will do it again!

This year I participated in Intel STS as well as another fair, and Society for Science and the Public made both experiences fantastic. The impeccable organization allowed me to focus on meeting professional scientists and other interested students, broadening my understanding and appreciation of a variety of topics. In addition, SSP's publications are filled with fascinating articles that pique my interest and keep me abreast of contemporary research. I only wish I had discovered their programs sooner!

This past year, I had the opportunity to participate in two of Society for Science & the Public's high school research competitions (Intel STS and Intel ISEF). My experience with SSP has been nothing short of amazing. The organization not only offers the two most incredible science research competitions available to high school students, but also provides two science magazines (Science News and Science News for Students) with up-to-date and fascinating articles. SSP has a tremendously positive impact on middle and high school students and their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math because they want to make science relevant, stimulating, and fun-- and they are very successful at their goal. Society for Science & the Public is achieving what few (if any) other organizations can achieve-- they are connecting with students, engaging them with science, and giving them the opportunity to share their discoveries with the world. I can't think of a more rewarding, wonderful organization, and I'm so grateful to have had the chance to work with them over the past year.

Society for Science and the Public has proven to be unparalleled in its efforts to encourage young people to engage with scientific research. As a participant in the SSP-affiliated research competitions, I found that SSP gave access to a host of free resources, including its Science News and Science News for Students publications that I regularly use. Whenever I contacted them with questions or concerns, whether it was before, during, or after the competition, the SSP staff was happy to help. I hope to have more interaction with SSP in the near future!

I have personally found the Society for Science and the Public to be an outstandingly impactful organization. As an alumnus of a variety of their student-oriented programs, I have first-hand experience of the extent to which the SSP has been able to promote the sciences in education and provide exceptional experiences for the students involved; it can and has been life-changing.

SSP provides outstanding independent research opportunities for students with a focus in the sciences. Over the years, I have witnessed students at the high school I teach at approach ISEF with a great deal of excitement, stating that it is the "single best opportunity afforded to students at our school" and it does please me that it is available for those top science students.

In recent years, I've become aware that ISEF is viewed in a similar manner by students, not only across the country, but throughout the World. It is the premier science competition for students and the event they talk about throughout the year.

Broadcom Masters is stimulating a similar interest in our younger students and, I hope, motivating them to pursue ISEF in their "later" years.

Hi. I'm from Colombia. The effort that you people do, is very helpful for all of us in a world without frontiers. The bet for the science is something that our society don't really appreciate in all their extents.
Thank you, for all the good work. I hope you can keep it that way !

I've read Science News since I was in High School. It was in our library but I decided to subscribe. When the first Mariner images came back from Mars I had them in my hands, via my S/N before it became big news in the genral media. I've been a member/subscriber off and on over the years as time and situations permitted. SSP is a gateway to the harder stuff - science of all disciplines. Checking in with S/N and SSP is a great way for me 50+ years from high school to keep my intellect alive and curious and informed. I'm sure it inspires young people now as it did when I was in HS.

The Society For Science & The Public is performing yeoman service to the American (and probably non-American) public in covering, in a timely fashion, with brilliant journalism by experts in each area, scientific research in every field, as published in Science News. Given the sad state of science literacy in the US, it is nothing short of miraculous that an organization could successfully undertake to bring science to the populace in easily comprehensible form. We have a subscription & try to urge all our friends to subscribe as well, since a knowledge of science is essential to navigate a 21st-century world. Personally, I believe this magazine should be required reading in high schools. I suspect we'll see a lot more STEM candidates if young people have the kind of access to science that the Society provides.

The Society for Science provides excellent support for independent STEM research in the form of the International Science and Engineering Fair as well as the BROADCOM Masters program, to name just a few. Without the Society for Science, thousands of students each year would not be able to share their science research with the entire globe, thus promoting one of the few globally active student collaborations on the planet.

In 1979, I was one of the top 40 winners in the Westinghouse competition, run by SSP. I had been motivated to enter when I learned that an earlier student of my mentor at University of Maryland had made the top 40. Participation in the competition changed my life.

Making the top 40 was affirming, but what really made the big difference was being motivated to enter the competition in the first place. The research I did (in astronomy) gave me a direction and a chance to excel. My project probably got me into MIT and Caltech (I went to MIT).

My experience made me a life-long believer in engaging youngsters in science. I volunteer in local science fairs every year as a judge, and encouraged both of my children to enter (my youngest went to ISTEF). At MIT I routinely hired undergraduates with science fair backgrounds, because these were individuals who had the motivation to take a project from start to finish.

If you want to have hope for the future, all you have to do is go meet with the students participating in SSP events.

I was a Broadcom Master which is a program run by SSP. It was really life-changing and I made a lot of new friends across the country. SSP has really inspired me to look forward to working in STEM related careers in the future. Thanks SSP for all you have done!

SEriously !!!

Some usefull ideas...
for free ...
One should read, to see if a NON-Profit organization is working and building
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in this way

When I was a student I studied seriously and my teachers taught me with great love and devotion responding positively to my curiosity. I became a teacher and they have given me the desire to work seriously and with love. I am grateful.

With all the ignorance creating more and more tension between people, promoting the science and educating people is the only way to help healing the world. Art and education are the only way toward peace and health.

When I was in high school, I was a promising student - passionate about the sciences - who came from very challenging circumstances. My mother was mentally ill and my father had only a fifth grade education. I was the fourth of five children, so they never could have afforded to send me to college, much less help me through the process of applying and choosing. A teacher at my public high school suggested I apply for a summer research scholarship, which I won and completed. Another teacher suggested I enter my work from that experience in what was then the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, which was administered by this nonprofit. I placed in the top ten winners, which came with a four year college scholarship to the school of my choice. Because I won this competition, I was invted to attend schools to which I had and had never applied, all on nearly full scholarship. I graduated from a highly competitive university with degrees in engineering and less than $1000 in college debt, thanks to this nonprofit. I practiced as an engineer for many years and then decided to enter the field of K-12 education in order help other students who come from challenging circumstances change their lives with science education. I earned a Ph.D. in science education and have led several foundation and government funded science and engineering education projects for underserved and disadvantaged K-12 students. I can say with complete confidence that my life would have been quite different if not for the opportunities afforded me by the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and this nonprofit. I work to change the lives of other students because this nonprofit changed mine.

I was given the chance to showcase my high school research over the years because of the tremendous work this group does to put on the Intel ISEF and Intel STS competitions. Because of my participation, I made new friends, helped pay for college, and ultimately decided my career goal and college major. After winning a few major scholarships from ISEF, I was brought into contact with the school I am currently attending, Drexel. This changed my entire plan for undergraduate study and also paid for my attendance. I would not be where I am today, with the friends I have, without the Society for Science and the Public.

SSP understands the critical performance of getting young people involved in research. We are producing too many people with a superficial understanding of science, who ultimately find careers as bartenders etc. Research is the key to the new science that the USA needs and the world needs.

Its life changing! I found that this really changed my high school experience and my scientific future.

I was a participant in the Intel STS and I can honestly say I would not be where I am today had it not been for SSP.

I was a participant in several programs run by the Society for Science & the Public, and I can honestly say that they were life changing. I had always been interested in science but always felt that I didn't have the skill or talent to pursue my dreams. SSP gave the opportunity to travel the world and meet other students with my similar interests. I was constantly finding role models and being motivated by the famous scientists I got to meet through SSP. ISEF and STS, the programs I was involved in, impressed upon me how important it was to pursue my science research dreams. I found the best community of scholars and thinkers I have ever met, and their recognition of me gave me the funds to attend college. Without the SSP, I would not be who I am today - a successful student and scientist, working at the best universities in the world.

I can honestly say that the programs that SSP provides to the community changed my life. As a student with a learning disability I had little hope of pursuing my dream of becoming a professional scientist. Even many of my teachers encouraged me to 'have more realistic career ideas'. Programs like the Science Fair and STS provided a much needed voice of encouragement in my life. SSP not only encouraged me to complete my own experiments but to present them to the scientific community are part of the competitions they hosted. Through the science fair I was able to meet up with scientists who were willing to look beyond the weakness of my learning disability to mentor the inquisitive youth. Through STS I was able to gain the funds to take my love of science to the next level and attend college. An opportunity that without this type of support would have been nearly impossible. Because of the SSP mission my life was changed. I am no longer the student that teachers didn't expect to graduate from middle school let alone high school. I am now considered one of the top graduate students at my university and my research is slowly changing the world for the better.

I've faithfully read Science News for almost 20 years now, and there's just no other magazine like it in the industry. It doesn't "dumb down" research summaries. At the same time, the language and explanation are very understandable even to a layperson. (I am a professional without a medical degree, but who works in the medical industry.)

I was so happy when the journal moved on-line. I hope this group continues to provide public information for many years to come!

love SSP magazine and mission! first they run the big science fairs and motivate and support young scientist from around the world
then they publish their great magazine where ordinary people like me can learn what's new in different scientific fields

Provides clear elucidation of current topics in all branches of science.

I cannot begin to share all the outcomes that the Society for Science and the Public has directly contribute to in our small rural school! Four years ago, I applied for the SSP Fellows Program and to my amazement, I was fortunate to be selected. I am a 36-year teaching veteran, and I can honestly say that this is the best program for advancing student research in rural and inner city schools in the country! The SSP gave me the training and the financial resources to develop a strong research program in my school. This was no easy undertaking, but the rewards have been many. The total student population is less than 250 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. We are not only one of the smallest districts in the state, we are one of the poorest districts in the state. After a four year investment in the program, you may ask what is there to show that the money was well spent? The students have been quite successful over the past four years. They have won top awards at the local, state, regional, national and international levels. Last year one student, Brittany King, was selected as one of the top four Agriscience Research students in the nation. Another student, Dylan Lyle, received a first place at the International Sustainable Environment, Energy and Engineering Olympiad(ISWEEEP) in Houston, Texas. This year we had the top two projects in the state of Missouri at the Missouri Junior Academy of Science, Tara Humphreys and Ashley Wyrick! In addition, two students have advanced to ISWEEEP in Houston (Ross Sparrow and Ashley Wyrick), and just yesterday another student, Sara Abbett, was notified that she was the state finalist for Missouri for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and will be competing in Portland, Oregon in June. Next week, our students compete in the Missouri Agriscience Fair with their research, and we will then know who will be advancing to the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Last year four students from our program advanced. More important than doing well in the competitions is the confidence that the students have gained in the program. All of the students that have participated in the program have gone on to college and their success continues at that level. Several are in undergraduate research programs. One is already working part time in a federal research facility. All this would not have been possible without the support of the Society for Science and the Public. The fellowship grant ends this year, but the program will continue for many years to come. We are forever grateful!!!
Constance Wyrick
Tuscumbia High School
Tuscumbia, MO

After reading your comments about the OlympicsThe Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair® (Intel ISEF) wanted to take part in this competition with her students this year for the first time.

This is an update to my 2010 review. I just completed my first year as an SSP Teacher Fellow. Because of the grant I received more students than ever before participated in science and engineering activities, and won more awards than ever. I also got to take a group of observers to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for the first time in the 50+ year history of the fair. It had a huge impact on the school. I also grew in my professionalism as a teacher.

I have been involved in Science Fairs for over 22 years and the International Fair since 1994. The parent body (SSP) that supports this fair does a tremendous job. They support the students, the teachers, and all who are trying to keep kids interested and inspired in the sciences, technology, and engineering.

The Society for Science and the Public is a wonderfully supportive organization that understands (better than most organizations) how the key to our future is in supporting our energetic, dedicated, intelligent students. They have done this by their constant support and promotion of the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Those two opportunities are the "dream" of the students in our course (and our science fair) year after year.

I became involved with science fairs when I helped some students with their science projects more than 10 years ago. This led to my judging local fairs and eventually judging the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for the Society for Science and the Public (SSP). They regard good judging as essential. SSP gives it the resources and attention needed.

I taught at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology since it first opened in 1987. Over the years, I taught Creative Writing and AP Language to gifted science, math and technology students. Some of my best writers were students who were winners or finalists in the Westinghouse/Intel Science Talent Search. I began to realize how closely related the arts were to the sciences. Parade of students over the last twenty-five years brought their final papers to me to proof before they submitted them to the competition. I didn’t always understand the science in their work, but I could help them make their writing clear and accessible. It was not until I retired and put on another hat that a realized how much Intel influenced our school. I have been working for two years at writing a book that tells the school’s twenty-five year history. My research from the beginning told me how much the Westinghouse/Intel competitions directed and transformed learning and achievement for our most gifted young scientists. We have hundred of semifinalists and finalists in our school’s history. I recall times in my writing classes watching students in deep conversations about their Intel research and their writings. They were some of the leading math wizards in the school. These kids were just as talented in math and science as in the humanities, but I realized then that they were living proof that we haven’t evolved to be mathematicians and/or statisticians. This is the way we must think if we are to make progress in understanding how the world works and, for that matter, how we ourselves work. Students who think these topics are unnatural subjects are right. It isn’t how humans think naturally. But it is how humans think rationally. And it is how scientists think. This is the way we must think if we are to make progress in understanding how the world works and, for that matter, how we ourselves work. These students were gifted and Intel was providing opportunities for all of us to nurture them and use their brilliance to push their boundaries so they could be part of the change that I knew through their creative and personal writing they wanted for our world. I applaud SSP and Intel for helping to make us successful.

As a participant in several of SSP's programs, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the ISEF, I can personally attest to the degree SSP programs have influenced the lives of its participants, including myself. The STS and ISEF provided me with opportunities to meet and spend time with many other students who were also passionate about science - many of these acquaintances have evolved into close friends I know I will keep in contact with for a lifetime. I learned so much through participating in these programs, and also deepened my own interest in scientific research while interacting with other students, government officials, and even Nobel Prize winners. These science programs are also inspiring to the public; I heard numerous parents and visitors to the ISEF and STS project exhibition halls express that the intellectually enthusiastic atmosphere was infectious. Not only does SSP have a wonderful goal of spreading interest and excitement in scientific research to students from all backgrounds, but the success of its programs show that this goal is actually being realized. All the SSP programs I have attended have been a perfect mix of professionalism, energy, and excitement. They are impeccably run, and it's clear that the SSP staff really cares about the students' experiences. I will always be grateful to the SSP for the amazing opportunities it gave me during my high school years.

The Society for Science and the Public Fellowship I received has transformed my classroom. The six subjects I teach now have a research basis along with the required academic material. I have improved the quality of scientific research in my classroom thanks to what I learned through the SSP Summer Institute. Not only do we now have a student research group that meets after school to work on projects, but we also have a junior high and high school robotics team for the second year. I teach at a rural pre-K through 12th school with less than 300 students. Without the assistance of SSP, these opportunities would not be possible for my students. The goal of this fellowship is to promote student research and to provide opportunities for students to collaborate with science mentors in either academia or industry. My students have attended classes and workshops at universities specifically to improve their science content, develop research projects, and learn robotics, all through the generosity of my SSP fellowship. I have had students make it to the State Science and Engineering Fair during my first year as a SSP fellow and plan on having students reach the Intel ISEF within the next year! As a fellow, I had the opportunity of attending the Intel ISEF and Intel Educator Academy in 2010. What an awesome experience for me as an observing teacher. I can't wait until I have a student who is part of this wonderful opportunity. Thank you SSP and Intel for all you do for students and science!

My involvement with the Society for Science & the Public (SSP) was related to my oldest son, Rick in conjunction with the Ninth Annual Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC) co-sponsored with Discovery Communications. It attempted to find “America’s Top Young Scientist of the Year” from a field of about 80,000 US middle school students. Rick was one of the 40 finalists. Although I disagreed with the final decision of the judges ( :-} Rick did not win), it was one of the greatest experiences of his young life. I say this in light of the fact that he had spoken at over a dozen academic conferences by this point, to note only one aspect of his life. He was truly more distressed by the end of the challenge that that he did not win. That really says something about the experience. But what may say more is the fact that he connected with the other finalists to such an extent that he turned down a behind the scenes tour at the Smithsonian to be with his new friends and colleagues after only a hour of knowing them. Many of them still correspond. How cool is that! But my experiences with the SSP did not end there. They have provided Rick and countess other promising high school students with the opportunity to shine at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which Rick attended in both 2009 and 2010. This proved to be at least as rewarding as the DCYSC and he enjoyed it immensely, again failing to bring home one of the big prizes. What does this say about the experience provided by SSP, if even the non-winners (and they can’t all win) bring home so much from their programs. Far from being discouraged, my son hopes to attend the Intel Science Talent Search for this year and also hopes to make it back to ISEF next spring. And once again, the contacts made there will likely last a lifetime. So as much as the science fair experience itself, the opportunity to bring together the best and brightest is a feat unto itself. Rick’s experiences have also inspired both of his younger siblings to become involved in science fairs primarily due to what has been provided with SSP. Even my wife and I became involved as judges at ISEF last year (although they would not let me judge Rick’s project :-} ). Both of us found other categories in which we were qualified and the two of us came away from the experience inspired. Since fifth grade, Rick had been caught up in school and regional science fairs which progressed to DCYSC and state fair since eighth grade. For the last two years, he was honored to participate at ISEF. Not only has this stimulated his interest in science, but it has encouraged him to continue his research on an obscure Asian tortoise, about which very little is known. He has become more proficient and professional interacting with his peers and also sharing his experiences with them stimulating their own interest. SSP not only inspires greatness, but encourages and nurtures it. Rick would not be where he is today with SSP.

In addition to publishing Science News, an excellent, weekly non-technical overview of recent developments in science, SSP provides numerous opportunities for young students to actually DO science. The programs they administer such as ISEF, STS offer the chance for students to display the results of real research investigations. Today's high school curriculum is often limited to the tedium of learning material for standardized tests. But many of the programs SSP offers give students a chance to taste what real science is all about and a chance to be recognized for it.

The opportunities provided to young people thanks to the dedication of the Society For Science & The Public are incredible. The International Science & Engineering Fair (which I attended three times as the chaperone for our regional fair's participants at ISEF) is the best organized, most professional student event I have ever witnessed. The amount of detail required to arrange facilties and activities in a major city's convention center and various venues around town, arrange hundreds of judges, keynote speakers, sponsors who provide thousands of dollars in scholarships, and volunteers to handle airport transportation, registration, and behind the scenes activities is simply amazing. I miss being able to attend ISEF as it was rewarding both as a parent and a representative of our region. I wish more people knew just how cool this event is. Thanks to this dedicated organization!

I have not come to know SSP through my own work, but through my eldest son participating in science fair. Beginning in fifth grade, my son has been involved in science fair at the regional and then state levels; finally, in tenth and eleventh grades he was invited to ISEF. This process has not only supported his interest in science and intensified his curiosity for doing research, but has also stimulated remarkable personal growth. Watching him mentor, encourage and congratulate his colleagues has been as tremendously rewarding for me as seeing his own advancement. Now, his experiences are motivating his younger sister to get involved as well. Last year, in an effort to be more involved with my son’s work, I accompanied him to the competition and served as a judge for the Medicine and Health Category. Having been an academic physician for the last 13 years, I have been entrenched in scientific research on multiple levels. The caliber of the investigations I evaluated was amazing, the encouragement given these students by the society astounding and the subsequent camaraderie generated by all the participants was inspiring. In a world full of international hatred, it is amazing to see young people given the ability to come together to share scientific ideas all in the name of innovation and conservation. The Society for Science & the Public provides the platform that allows this marvelous annual occurrence to happen. They should be congratulated for everything they do by every citizen of the world in every possible way.

So far the program has provided funds, expertise, assistance to allow my students to conduct research in the classroom, and after school.

SSP Fellows program has changed not only the lives of my students, but has given a community something to be proud of. The Fellows program provides training, financial resources, and mentoring to committed teachers willing to start independent scientific research programs in their under served schools. This program has enabled our school (having the highest poverty rate in our state, 91%) to go from having zero students competing in science competitions to Regional Science Fair Small School of the Year. We had students compete in State and International competitions because of the support of SSP. The direct and immediate impact of the training and funds shows the outstanding success of this program by SSP.

The opportunities that I have been given as a direct result of the Society For Science & The Public are countless and immeasurable. I honestly do not know where I would be today if it were not for their annual International Science and Engineering Fair. On top of being the absolute cornerstone of my resume for everything from precollegiate programs, to college applications, to now medical school applications; just mentioning that I participated in the event has opened so many doors for me. As a direct result, I was granted two full-time paid internships by NOAA and offered a $50,000 scholarship to college (among others indirectly). Had it not been for the hard work that they do in putting on this event year in and year out, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today. I am forever in debt to their dedication and I know that I will respect all the volunteers and workers who organize the whole event and who run SFS&TP;for the rest of my life.

This wonderful organization provided me with a grant as an SSP Fellow to set up a course dedicated to teaching Science research. The amazing training at the SSP Institute and continuous contact and support to ensure goals are met have helped me stay focused and organized, as well as energized! SSP is benefitting students and touching their lives by opening doors and opportunities for success and discovery! I am a HUGE fan! SSP gets a STANDING OVATION!!

The Society for Science and the public is currently supporting my student research program at a rural school with a 100% Native American student population. As a teacher they have given me training and financial resources as well as ongoing mentoring support to better meet the needs of my students. The SSP Fellowship program is allowing me to do the things that I have only dreamed about doing in the science classroom due to the limited resources available in schools today. My teaching practices and my students will forever be positively impacted due to the support of SSP.

I was inducted as a Fellow into the Society for Science and the Public (SSP) in 2009. As a Fellow, I received a generous 4-year renewable grant to facilitate research opportunities for my students. Equally important, I have access to continual support, mentoring and encouragement as I tackle the multiple challenges of involving my students in scientific research. SSP provided an invaluable week-long workshop at the beginning of the Fellowship, and followed up with a constant flow of information and networking opportunities. Our initial concentration on salt marsh investigations has grown and evolved to include many projects including a solar energy investigation. My students placed first and second at the regional Young Science Achievers competition and have just received notice that the marsh research was accepted for presentation at the annual conference of Geologic Society of America in November.

The support and services received by being a fellow has made a tremendous impact on science education/research in my community. By being a fellow, I received financial support to run a research class in the high school. Students worked on local community issues solving soil problems and discovering the a potential growth accelerant in plants that would enable farmers to grow food in half the amount of time of normal growth. My students were so successful in their projects, that they received over half of the regional fair awards and a bid to the ISEF our first year running the program. I've been renewed and can't wait to see what my students will be able to do this coming year.

This organization does for Science what the Olympics do for sport. Actually, even more-because sports in this country already receive lots of attention. It stimulates and provides a platform for academically oriented students to stretch their intellects and contribute to sceintific knowledge. This venue is available to any student with the willingness to learn and to work. If not for SSP my son may never have pushed himmself to learn far beyond what was required in school and thus been bored. The amount of time and effort that the staff at SSP provide is truly mind-boggling. I am grateful to them and to the opportunities provided by them, without which my son may never have met like-minded individuals who are now life-long friends. If America is to compete in our global climate, SSP is the only public service organization actively serving that goal.

I have worked closely with SSP since 2002 when I became an Intel ISEF Affiliated Fair Director. I have been Chair of the Intel ISEF Advisory Council for nearly three years and cannot say enough positive about this organization. The staff at SSP are committed and passionate about their mission. SSP has provided awesome opportunities for a number of students from my region in Central NM. I was also a Guest Speaker at the 2010 SSP Teacher Fellows Institute which is an absolutely amazing program - applied for competitively by teachers from all over the US and abroad - run by Jennifer Carter, Director of Outreach. I would like to see programs like the Fellows program continue and be supported into the future. It is through teachers that we will ultimately make the biggest impact on upcoming students...teachers with passion for science, technology, engineering, & math education and research engender students with passion for learning...for asking great questions...and for having the courage to go after the answers to those questions.

Society for Science and the Public provide opportunities for both teachers and students across the globe that are focused on science education and science research. They also provide additional outreach opportunities, scholarships and fellowships for students including those from both rural and large urban area school districts. All of my experiences with SSP have been positive and educational.

Society for Science, being the parent organization of the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair brings together the best and brightest young minds from around the world every year. They provide opportunities for students to connect with professionals in the field, visits to scientific laboratories such as CERN, and thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities. I have had the pleasure of working with SSP as a teacher of a finalist for the International Fair, as an affiliated fair director and I was recently chosen as a 2010 SSP Fellow. I have found all of my experiences with them to be very positive. The fellowship is providing my underserved students an opportunity to pursue science research projects. Not only does SSP provide the funding, but they also provide the educational framework necessary to develop a successful research program and support throughout the process. I highly recommend SSP and would rate them #1 among scientific non-profit organizations.

Without the help and support of SSP and Intel I would not be able to offer my students a very unique opportunity of applied science and research at the high school level. Their support has helped public high school students see their potential. It has also helped me grow as a professional.

I recently attended a workshop for science teachers hosted by SSP in Washington DC. While there I had a chance to meet many of the staff members involved in promoting ISEF, The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. I was impressed with eveyones desire to be part of a quality organization that scincerely wants to promote science to all people. I felt that I was connected to people who truely can affect the change of America to a more scientifically literate society. The staff at SSP diligently works at making science understandable to everyone. Their interest in getting more students interested in science by supporting entries into the ISEF competitions and by supporting high school research in under represented schools is an unmatched endeavor that is sorely needed in our Nation. For this I applaud them and I try to spread the news to other teachers about the opportunities they provide.

Science research isn't just something for a professor in a university or an engineer in a laboratory. Middle school and high school students do science research too. Students can ask important questions, develop their own research skills and scientific insights, and even have results so compelling that they become acknowledged contributors to the progress of scientific knowledge. The goal of Society for Science and the Public is to identify, encourage, mentor and reward this next generation of technical innovators around the world. By sponsoring rigorous science competitions at the middle school and high school level, they showcase students who excel at science, not just in a classroom or on a test but also in the real world, creative experience of pursuing a research project. I have mentored, along with my husband, our own daughter and her teammates as they pursued research topics traditionally thought only the province of "rocket scientists." All of the students learned vital, practical science research skills, like programming and astronomy. But they also learned intangibles like how to be a valued teammate and an effective leader, how to problem solve together, and how to communicate their research to judges so respected that some have even won the Nobel Prize. For each of the students, their team research was one of the most important experiences of high school. Society for Science and the Public provides these opportunities to any middle school or high school student with a passion for science research. Through their work, ongoing since the 1940s, they have opened the doors for generations of technical innovators.

Society for Science and the Public is an outstanding organization which gives kids a chance to compete in scientific endeavors and learn skills that will affect not only their future, but the future of the world. The kids who compete at ISEF are doing cutting edge science and their discoveries are making a difference in the world. The middle school kids who compete for the chance to participate in a competition in Washington DC learn skills that will not only help them schieve in high school, but will most likely set them on the path towards a career in science, math, engineering or technology. As a parent of two boys who are now in high school that had the chance to compete in Washington DC, I can attest to the life changing effect these competitions have had. My boys went from very shy, kids who would most likely sit quietly and listen in class, to boys who are actively striving to do their best and get the most out of every class, they dare give answers and ask questions and push the teachers to give their best every day. SSP is a fantastic organization, in my opinion they do more for the future of our nation than any other nonprofit because they are truely investing in the future.

I have volunteered since 1995, first helping in Display and Safety and now with the Scientific Review Committee. The organization has a tremendous staff that works more than a 'regular job' to assure that the experience these talented kids get is first class. This is a program that opens eyes and doors. It promotes the growth of the students as individuals and as teams and truly supports science, engineering and technology education.

I have participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Festival (Intel ISEF) since 2005, bringing students from our regional fair to compete at this level. Every year, I am amazed again by how efficient, professional and courteous SSP staff is in organizing this event. ISEF is life changing for many of our students - whether they win a prize or not. It opens their eyes to the possibilities and the joy of of scientific research and experimentation; it validates their efforts and encourages them to continue in their studies. The atmosphere is one of respect and support for the students; they meet students from other countries, professionals in their field of interest, even nobel laureates. It is a great event and SSP does wonders with the staff and funding available to them.

I became involved with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in 2000 hosted in Detroit, MI. The following year the Fair was coming to San Jose, CA and I was part of the Host Committee so I went to Detroit to shadow the role I would do the following year. It was love at first sight! SSP, the moderator of the Fair in every host city, had (and has) a fabulous team that knows their responsibilities and are dedicated to making the Fair the best for the students! The Fair was just hosted again in San Jose, CA in May 2010 and I was again part of the Host Committee (and the Board of Directors) so I had extensive interaction with them over the past year. Having boycotted the science fair when I was in 8th Grade it is a weird come-uppance but I do not regret the decision to become involved and it is what keeps me coming back year after year! Come join and support the fun!

I have worked with this organization for many years and have always been impressed with what it can accomplish with such a small staff. SSP has assisted thousands, if not millions, of students to conduct scientific research through the publication of Rules over the years and has also obtained the judges and awards from universities, governmental agencies, industries, and other nonprofit organizations to reward these same students for their accomplishments. Literally millions of dollars have enabled thousands of students to pursue their dreams through scholarships, internships, and interaction with Nobel Laureates. One of my students won 2 special awards as a 9th grader which led to her presentation of project at two professional conferences. This exposure was outstanding for a 15 year old student. Their website and publications are a great source of information for not only the students but teachers mentoring the students. Another former student read about a project in a university and adapted it to our local community. She went to ISEF twice and even though she didn't win large awards, her experience in research led to her publication as a freshman at Duke. I doubt that anyone could ever ascertain the true impact that SSP (Science Service) has had on the youth of the world through their leadership in the International Science & Engineering Fair.